Al-Anfal

And from his narration on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas who said concerning the saying of Allah, Exalted is He, ((They ask thee (O Muhammad) of the spoils of war): 'He says: your Companions ask you about the spoils of war on the Day of Badr and also about the officers for weapons and horses. (Say) O Muhammad: (The spoils of war belong to Allah and the messenger) the spoils of war at Badr belong to Allah and His Messenger, and none of it is yours; it is also said: they all belong to Allah and the command of the Messenger regarding what is allowed, (so keep your duty to Allah) fear Allah concerning taking the spoils of war, (and adjust the matter of your difference) solve the differences among you: let the rich give to the poor and the strong to the weak and the young to the elderly, (and obey Allah and His messenger) in the matter of reconciliation, (if ye are (true) believers) in Allah and His Messenger.

(They only are the (true) believers whose hearts feel fear when Allah is mentioned) when they are enjoined with a command from Allah, such as in the matter of reconciliation and other things, (and when the revelations of Allah) concerning reconciliation (are recited unto them they increase their faith) increase their certitude in Allah's saying; it is also said that this means: they increase their truthfulness; it is also said that this means: it increases their refinement, (and who trust in their Lord) and not in the spoils of war;

(Who establish worship) perform the five daily prayers in full, with their ritual ablution, bowing, prostrations as well as that which is due in their respective time (and spend) they give in charity for the sake of obedience to Allah and also give the poor-due (of that We have bestowed on them) of that which We have given them of wealth.

(Those are they who are in truth believers) they are truly and certainly believers. (For them are grades (of honour)) ranks of merit (with their Lord) in the Hereafter, (and pardon) for the sins they committed in the life of this world, (and a bountiful provision) a fair reward in Paradise.

(Even as thy Lord caused thee to go forth) proceed, O Muhammad, in that which your Lord has caused you to go forth (from thy home) from Medina (with the Truth) with the Qur'an; it is also said that this means: with war, (and lo! a party) a group (of the believers were averse (to it)) to fighting,

(Disputing with thee of) arguing with you about (the Truth) the war (after it had been made manifest) that you do not act upon or command anything except that with which your Lord has commanded you, (as if they were being driven to death visible) driven to death while looking straight at it.

(And when Allah promised you one of the two bands (of the enemy)) one of two things: the caravan or the belongings of the army (that it should be yours) as spoils of war, (and you longed) you wished (that other than the armed one) hardship and war (might be yours) as spoils of war, i.e. the booty of camels. (And Allah willed that He should cause the Truth to triumph by His words) He willed to manifest His religion by means of His assistance and strengthening, (and cut the root of the disbelievers) the root and traces of the disbelievers;

(That He might cause the Truth) in order to manifest the Religion of Islam in Mecca (to triumph and bring vanity to naught) and destroy idolatry and its adherents, (however much the guilty might oppose) even if the idolaters dislike it;

(When ye sought help of) when you called upon (your Lord) to assist you on the Day of Badr (and He answered you (saying): I will help you with a thousand of the angels, rank on rank) coming one after another to help you.

(Allah appointed it) i.e. His succour (only as good tidings) of your victory, (and that your hearts thereby might be at rest) because of this help. (Victory) by means of the angels (cometh only by the help of Allah. Lo! Allah is Mighty) towards His enemies in His retribution, (Wise) He decreed that they be defeated and killed and that you triumph and gain the spoils of war.

(When He made the slumber fall upon you) when He cast sleepiness upon you (as a reassurance) to you (from Him) from Allah against the enemy; and this is a favour from Allah towards you (and sent down water) rain (from the sky upon you, that thereby He might purify you) with rain from physical and minor and major ritual impurities, (and remove from you the fear of Satan) the whispering of Satan, (and make strong your hearts) and preserve your hearts with steadfastness (and firm) by means of the rain ((your) feet thereby) on the sand, i.e. He gathers the sand such that feet become firm on it.

(When your Lord inspired the angels) it is also said that this means: when your Lord commanded the angels, ((saying:) I am with you) I will help you. (So make those who believe stand firm) in war; it is also said that this means: give those who believe the good news of victory. (I will throw) cast (fear into the hearts of those who disbelieve) the fear of Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions. (Then smite the necks) their heads (and smite of them each finger) each shaped finger.

(That) fighting (is because they opposed Allah and His messenger) in relation to Religion. (Whoso opposeth Allah and His messenger) in Religion, ((for him) lo! Allah is severe in punishment) when He punishes.

(That) is your punishment, (so taste it) in the life of this world, (and (know) that for disbelievers) in the Hereafter (is the torment of the Fire).

(O ye who believe, When ye meet those who disbelieve) at Badr (in battle, turn not your backs to them) in defeat.

(Whoso on that day) the Day of Badr (turneth his back to them) and flees from them in defeat, (unless manoeuvring for battle) to re-continue fighting or to regroup to charge again (or intent to join a company) to assist and defend him, (he truly has incurred wrath from Allah) he has turned back and deserves Allah's wrath, (and his habitation) his abode (will be hell, a hapless journey's end) with which he will end up.

(Ye (Muslims) slew them not) on the Day of Badr, (but Allah slew them) through Gabriel and the angels. (And thou (Muhammad) threwest not when thou didst throw) you did make the dust reach the faces of the idolaters, (but Allah threw) did make it so reach, (that He might test the believers) through the throwing of dust (by a fair test from Him) by giving them victory and spoils of war. (Lo! Allah is Hearer) of your supplications, (Knower) of your help.

(That) victory and spoils of war are for you; (and (know) that Allah (it is) Who maketh weak the plan of disbelievers) He weakens the disbelievers's plans.

(If ye sought a judgement) if you sought help, (now hath the judgement come unto you) the victory of Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions against you, since Abu Jahl had prayed before the fighting started, saying: " O Allah, assist the best, the most honoured and more beloved religion to you " , and so Allah answered his prayer and gave victory to Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions against them. (And if ye cease) from disbelief and fighting (it will be better for you) than disbelief and fighting, (but if ye return) to fighting Muhammad (pbuh) (We also shall return) to your killing and defeat as on the Day of Badr. (And your host) your group (will avail you naught) vis-�-vis Allah's punishment, (however numerous it be, and (know) that Allah is with the believers) He assists them by giving them victory.

(O ye who believe! Obey Allah and His messenger) in the matter of reconciliation, (and turn not away from him) do not turn away from the command of Allah and His Messenger (when ye hear) the admonition of the Qur'an and the matter of reconciliation.

(Be not) in transgression; it is also said that this means: be not in obedience, (as those who say, We hear) we obey, the reference here being to the Banu 'Abd al-Dar, al-Nadr Ibn al-Harith and his host, (and they hear not) they obey not.

It was also revealed about these: (Lo! the worst of beasts) created beings and creatures (in Allah's sight are the deaf) to the Truth, (the dumb) about the Truth, (who have no sense) who do not understand Allah's command and His divine Oneness.

(Had Allah Known of any good) felicity (in them) i.e. in the Banu 'Abd al-Dar (He would have made them hear) He would have honoured them with faith, (but had He made them hear) had He honoured them with faith (they would have turned away) from faith due to Allah's foreknowledge about them, (averse) they are disbelieving in it.

(O ye who believe) i.e. the Companions of Muhammad (pbuh); (Obey Allah, and the messenger when He calleth you to that which quickeneth you) to that which honours you, makes you triumphant and reforms you, such as when you are called to fighting, etc., (and know) O believers (that Allah cometh in between) protects (the man and his own heart) He protects the believer and his heart, such that He preserves the heart of the believer by making it firm on faith so that it does not reject faith; and he preserves the heart of the disbeliever by making it firm on disbelief so that it does not accept faith, (and that He it is unto Whom) unto Allah in the Hereafter (ye will be gathered) and thus rewarded you for your works.

(And guard yourselves against a sedition) any sedition that happens (which cannot fall exclusively on those of you who are wrong-doers) but rather befalls on both the wrong-doers and the wronged, (and know that Allah is severe in punishment) when He punishes.

(And remember) O group of Emigrants, (when ye were few) in number (and reckoned feeble) oppressed (in the land) the land of Mecca, (and were in fear lest men should extirpate you) you feared that the people of Mecca would expel or imprison you, (how He gave you refuge) in Medina, (and strengthened you with His help) i.e. He assisted and gave you strength when He made you victorious on the Day of Badr, (and made provision of good things) the spoils of war (for you, that haply ye might be thankful) in order that you give thanks for His bounty: victory and the spoils of war on the Day of Badr.

(O ye who believe!) the address here is to Marwan and Abu Lubabah Ibn 'Abd al-Mundhir (Betray not Allah) in relation to Religion (and His messenger) by advising the Banu Qurayzah not to accept the judgement of Sa'd Ibn Mu'adh, (nor knowingly betray your trusts) nor betray the obligations of Allah which are your trusts.

(And know) this address is directed at Abu Lubabah (that your possessions and your children) in the Banu Qurayzah (are a test) an affliction, (and that with Allah is immense reward) an abundant reward in Paradise through jihad.

(O ye who believe! If you keep your duty to Allah) regarding that which He has commanded you and warned you against, (He will give you discrimination) victory and salvation (and will rid you of your evil thoughts and deeds) but not the enormities which you have committed, (and will forgive you) all the other transgressions. (Allah is of Infinite Bounty) He favours His servants with forgiveness and Paradise.

(And when those who disbelieve) i.e. Abu Jahl and his host (plot against thee (O Muhammad)) in Dar al-Nadwah (to wound you fatally) to imprison you as suggested by 'Amr Ibn Hisham, (or to kill thee) all together as suggested by Abu Jahl Ibn Hisham (or to drive thee forth) and expel you as suggested by Abu'l-Buhturi Ibn Hisham; (they plot) they intend to destroy and kill you, O Muhammad, (but Allah (also) plotteth) He wants to destroy and kill them on the Day of Badr; (and Allah is the best of plotters) He is the strongest of plotters.

(And when Our revelations) detailing commands and prohibitions (are recited unto them) to al-Nadr Ibn al-Harth and his companions (they say: We have heard) what Muhammad (pbuh) has said. (If we wish we can speak the like of this) the like of what Muhammad (pbuh) recites. (Lo! This) which Muhammad (pbuh) says (is naught but fables) tales (of the men of old) and their stories.

(And when they said) it is al-Nadr Ibn al-Harth who said it: (O Allah! If this) which Muhammad (pbuh) says (be indeed the Truth from You) that You have no son or partner, (then rain down stones on us) on al-Nadr (or bring on us some painful doom!) On the Day of Badr, al-Nadr Ibn al-Harth was killed in captivity.

(But Allah would not punish them) Allah would not destroy Abu Jahl and his host (while thou wast) residing (with them, nor will He punish them) destroy them (while they seek forgiveness) while they desire to believe.

(What (plea) have they that Allah should not punish them) that Allah should not destroy them after you left them, (when they debar) Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions (from the Inviolable Place of Worship) and circumambulate it in the year of al-Hudaybiyyah, (though they are not its fitting guardians) guardians of the Mosque. (Its fitting guardians are those only who keep their duty to Allah) those who ward off disbelief, idolatry and indecencies: i.e. Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions. (But most of them) all of them (know not) this nor believe in it.

(And their worship at the (holy) House is naught but whistling) like the whistling of a bird (and hand clapping. Therefore (it is said unto them): Taste of the doom) on the Day of Badr (because you disbelieve) in Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an.

(Lo! those who disbelieve) the disbelievers who fed the army of the Quraysh on the Day of Badr: Abu Jahl and his host which consisted of 13 men (spend their wealth in order that they may debar (men) from the way of Allah) from religion and obedience of Allah. (They will spend it) on the life of this world, (then it will become an anguish for them) a regret for them in the Hereafter, (then they will be conquered) they will be defeated and killed on the Day of Badr. (And those who disbelieve) Abu Jahl and his host (will be gathered unto hell) in the Hereafter,

(That Allah may separate the wicked from the good) the disbeliever from the believer, the hypocrite from the sincere and the corrupt from the righteous. (The wicked will He place piece upon piece) gather together, (and heap them all together) i.e. the wicked, (and consign them) cast (unto hell. Such verily are the losers) in that they be punished.

(Tell) O Muhammad, (those who disbelieve) Abu Sufyan and his host (that if they cease) disbelief, idolatry, idol worship and fighting Muhammad (pbuh) (that which is past) of disbelief, idolatry, idol worship and fighting against the Prophet (pbuh) (will be forgiven them; but if they return (thereto)) i.e. to fighting Muhammad (pbuh) (then the example of the men of old hath already gone) that victory is given to Allah's friends against their enemies, such as was the case on the Day of Badr.

(And fight them) i.e. the disbelievers of Mecca (until persecution) disbelief, idolatry, idol worship and fighting against Muhammad (pbuh) in the Sacred Precinct (is no more, and religion) in the Sacred Precinct as well as worship (is all for Allah) such that none remains except the Religion of Islam. (But if they cease) disbelief, idolatry, idol worship and fighting the Prophet (pbuh) (then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do) of good and evil.

(And if they turn away) from faith, (then know) O believers, (that Allah is your Befriender) your Protector and Helper against them, (a transcendent Patron) Who protects and gives victory, (a transcendent Helper!) Who defends you.

(And know) O believers (that whatever) of wealth (you take as spoils of war, lo! a fifth thereof is for Allah) a fifth of the spoils of war is given in the way of Allah, (and for the messenger) and for the use of the Messenger (and for the kinsmen) and for the kinsmen of the Prophet (pbuh) (and orphans) who are other than the orphans of the Banu 'Abd al-Muttalib (and the needy) other than those of the Banu 'Abd al-Muttalib (and the wayfarer) and for the weak who is in need of help, whoever he may be. This fifth used to be divided at the time of the Prophet (pbuh) into five shares: one share for the Prophet (pbuh) which was the share given for the sake of Allah (Allah's share); a share for the Prophet's kinsmen, because the Prophet (pbuh) used to give to his kinsmen on behalf of Allah; a share for the orphans; a share for the needy; and a share for the wayfarer. When the Prophet (pbuh) died, the share of the Prophet (pbuh) and that of his kinsmen were cancelled due to the saying of Abu Bakr: �I heard Allah's Messenger (pbuh) say: each prophet has, while still alive, an assigned means of subsistence, and when he dies, it is cancelled and belongs to no one�. Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman and 'Ali in their respective reigns divided the fifth into three shares: a share for the orphans, other than the orphans of Banu 'Abd al-Muttalib, a share for the needy, other than the needy of 'Abd al-Muttalib, and a share for the wayfarers who are weak and in need of help; (if ye believe in Allah and that which We revealed unto Our slave) Muhammad (pbuh) (on the Day of Discrimination) and the day of the alternation of power and victory of Muhammad (pbuh); it is also said that the Day of Discrimination means the day when Allah discriminated between truth and falsehood, i.e. the Day of Badr, when Allah decreed victory and the spoils of war for the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions, while inflicting death and defeat upon Abu Jahl and his host, (the day when the two armies) the army of Muhammad (pbuh) and that of Abu Sufyan (met. And Allah is Able to do all things): victory and the possession of the spoils of war for the Prophet (pbuh) and death and defeat for Abu Jahl and his host.

(When ye were) O believers (on the near bank (of the valley)) close to Medina (and they) Abu Jahl and his host (were on the yonder bank) farther from Medina, beyond the valley, (and the caravan) of Abu Sufyan and his host (was below you (on the coast plain)) three miles away. (And had ye trysted to meet one another) in Medina to fight (ye surely would have failed to keep the tryst) to be able to do so, (but (it happened, as it did, without the forethought of either of you) that Allah might conclude a thing that must be done) giving victory and the spoils of war to the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions, and death and defeat to Abu Jahl and his host; (that he who perished (on that day) might perish) he who perished as a disbeliever may perish (by a clear proof) after showing Allah's assistance to Muhammad (pbuh) (and he who survived) and was firm on faith (might survive) he whom Allah wills to make firm on faith (by a clear proof) after showing His assistance to Muhammad, Allah give him peace. It is also said that this means: so that he disbelieves he whom Allah willed him to disbelieve after seeing the clear proof (victory and seizure of the spoils of war by the Prophet (pbuh)) and so that he believes he whom Allah willed him to believe after seeing the clear proof. (Lo! Allah in truth is Hearer) of your supplications, (Knower) of the answer to your calls and assistance.

(When Allah showed them unto thee) O Muhammad (in your dream) on the Day of Badr (as few in number, and if He had shown them to thee as many, ye (Muslims) would have faltered) you would have been fearful (and would have quarrelled over the affair) over the question of war. (But Allah saved (you)) He decreed otherwise. (Lo! He knoweth what is in the breasts (of men)) what is in people's heart.

(And when He made you (Muslims), when ye met (them)) on the Day of Badr, (see them with your eyes as few) such that He emboldened you vis-�-vis them, (and lessened you in their eyes) such that they were emboldened vis-�-vis you, ((it was) that Allah might conclude a thing) so that Allah might give victory and the spoils of war to the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions and bring about death and defeat for Abu Jahl and his host (that must be done) that has to be. (Unto Allah all things) the end results of things (are brought back) in the Hereafter.

(O ye who believe!) He means the Companions of Muhammad (pbuh) (When you meet an army) a group of the disbelievers on the Day of Badr, (hold firm) along with your prophet in war (and think of Allah much) in your hearts and with your tongues, saying: �there is no deity except Allah�, and �Allah is the greatest�, (that ye may be successful) that you may be safe from Allah's wrath and punishment and be assisted.

(And obey Allah and His messenger) in the matter of war, (and dispute not one with another) regarding war (lest ye falter) lest fear strikes you (and your strength depart from you) i.e. you are defeated; (but be steadfast!) in war along with your Prophet (Lo! Allah is with the steadfast) He helps the steadfast in war.

(Be not) in transgression (as those who came forth from their dwellings) i.e. Mecca (boastfully) impertinently (and to be seen of men) to gain reputation among men, (and debar (men) from the way of Allah) from Allah's Religion and obedience, (while Allah is surrounding all they do) regarding marching against the Prophet (pbuh) and the matter of war.

(And when Satan made their deeds seem fair to them) and when Iblis made their marching against the Muslims seem fair to them (and said: No one of mankind can conquer you this day) he meant Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions, (for I am your protector) I will help you. (But when the armies came in sight of one another) the army of the believers and the army of the disbelievers and Iblis saw Gabriel with the angels (he took flight) he retreated, (saying) to the disbelievers: (Lo! I am guiltless of you) and of your fighting. (Lo! I see that which ye see not) I see Gabriel while you do not see him. (Lo! I fear Allah. And Allah is severe in punishment) when He punishes; Iblis was scared of being captured by Gabriel and of being shown to the disbelievers, for then they would never obey him.

(When the hypocrites) those who apostatised on the Day of Badr (and those in whose hearts is a disease) doubt and opposition as well as all disbelievers (said: Their religion) their profession of Allah's divine Oneness (hath deluded these) Muhammad (pbuh) and all his Companions. (Whoso putteth his trust in Allah) regarding His assistance (lo! Allah is Mighty) in His retribution against His enemies, (Wise) in giving assistance to those who put their trust in Him, just as He assisted His Prophet (pbuh) on the Day of Badr.

(If thou couldst see) O Muhammad (how the angels) on the Day of Badr (receive those who disbelieve) how they take away their souls, (smiting their faces and their backs and (saying): Taste the punishment of burning!) the severe punishment of burning.

(This is for that which your own hands have sent before (to the Judgement)) this is what your hands have done while you were in a state of idolatry (and (know) that Allah is not a tyrant to His slaves) such that He would take them to task without them having committed a crime.

((Their way is) as the way of Pharaoh's folk) as the doing of the folk of Pharaoh (and those before them; they disbelieved the revelations of Allah) they disbelieved in Allah's Book and Messenger; He says: the disbelievers of Mecca disbelieved in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an just as Pharaoh and his folk, and those before them, disbelieved in Scriptures and messengers sent to them, (and Allah took them in their sins) in their disbelief. (Lo! Allah is Strong) in His seizing, (severe in punishment) when He punishes.

(That is because Allah never changeth the grace He hath bestowed on any people) by sending them a Scripture, messenger and security (until they first change that which is in their hearts) by abstaining from giving thanks to Him, (and (that is) because Allah is Hearer) of your supplications, (Knower) of your answer.

((Their way is) as the way of Pharaoh's folk) as the work of Pharaoh's folk (and those before them; they denied the revelations of their Lord) they disbelieved in Scriptures and messengers just as the disbelievers of Mecca disbelieved, (so We destroyed them in their sins) because of their disbelief. (And We drowned the folk of Pharaoh. All were evil-doers) disbelievers.

(Lo! the worst of beasts) of created beings (in Allah's sight are the ungrateful) Banu Qurayzah and others (who will not believe) in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an;

Then Allah explained who these are, saying: (Those of them with whom thou madest a treaty) the Banu Qurayzah, (and, then at every opportunity they break their treaty, and they keep not duty (to Allah)) they do not ward off breaking their treaties.

(If thou comest on them) if you imprison them (in the war, deal with them so as to strike fear in those who are behind them) such that they serve as a lesson to those who are behind them, (that haply they may remember) i.e. take admonition and avoid breaking their treaties.

(And if thou fearest) and if you know of a (treachery from any folk) from the Banu Qurayzah in that they broke their treaty, (then throw back to them (their treaty) fairly. Lo! Allah loveth not the treacherous) who break their treaties or commit any other act of treachery, whether it is the Banu Qurayzah or others.

(And) O Muhammad (let not those who disbelieve) whether from the Banu Qurayzah or somewhere else (suppose that they can outstrip) Our punishment due to the things they have done and said. (Lo! they cannot escape) Our punishment.

(Make ready for them) for the Banu Qurayzah as well as for others (all thou canst of force) of arms (and of horses tethered) of female tethered horses which are prepared for fighting, (that thereby ye may dismay) that you may strike fear by means of these horses in (the enemy of Allah) with regard to religion (and your enemy) by killing them, (and others beside them) besides the Banu Qurayzah and all the Arabs; it is also said that this is a reference to the disbelievers among the jinn (whom you know not) you do not know their number. (Allah knoweth them) Allah knows their number. (Whatsoever) of wealth (you spend in the way of Allah) in obedience of Allah, whether it is arms or horses (it will be repaid to you in full) its reward will be repaid to you, none of it will be diminished, (and ye will not be wronged) your reward will not be diminished.

(And if they incline to peace) if the Banu Qurayzah incline to and desire peace, (incline you also to it) and desire it, (and trust in Allah) in relation to their breaking or honouring of treaties. (Lo! He is the Hearer) of what they say, (the Knower) of their breaking and honouring of treaties.

(And if they) the Banu Qurayzah (would deceive thee) by signing a treaty of peace with you, (then lo! Allah is sufficient for thee) Allah is sufficient and enough for you. (He it is Who supporteth thee) He gives you strength and assists you (with His help) on the Day of Badr (and with the believers) with the Aws and the Khazraj,

(And (as for the believers) hath attuned their hearts) he united their hearts and word by means of Islam. (If thou hadst spent all that is in the earth) of gold and silver (thou couldst not have attuned their hearts) or their word, (but Allah hath attuned them) He united their hearts by means of faith. (Lo! He is Mighty) in His kingdom and sovereignty, (Wise) in His command and decree.

(O Prophet! Allah is sufficient for thee and those who follow thee of the believers) the Aws and the Khazraj.

(O Prophet! Exhort the believers) prompt and encourage them (to fight) on the Day of Badr. (If there be of you twenty steadfast) in war, seeking their reward only from Allah (they shall overcome two hundred) of the idolaters, (and if there be of you a hundred steadfast they shall overcome) shall fight (a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they (the disbelievers) are a folk without intelligence) they do not understand the command of Allah and His divine Oneness.